The NHS has revealed that up to £15billion could be paid to victims of clinical negligence over the coming years following an increasing number of legal claims.
According to the NHS Litigation Authority, which administers settlements against NHS trusts, almost £11.9billion was put aside to fund negligence claims in 2008. But those within the organisation are predicting that the coming years could see claims skyrocket.
The NHS Litigation Authority annual reports revealed that claims worth £6.3billionn have already been submitted but have not yet been paid out this year. In addition, another £8.7billion worth in claims from incidents that are known to have happened but have not yet been submitted are waiting to be released.
High value claims are becoming more common as expert negligence lawyers are demanding quality care for the rest of a victim’s life, for example, a baby which has been starved of oxygen at birth and suffers brain damage will need extensive, life long care.
In 2009/10, 6,652 negligence claims were made to the NHS authority, 10% higher than the previous year, following an 11% rise in the number of claims between 2007/8 and 2008/9, the report said.
"Patients deserve high quality healthcare from their NHS,” commented a Department of Health spokesman. “The vast majority of the millions of people treated by the NHS every year experience good quality, safe and effective care.
“However, if patients do not receive the treatment they should and mistakes are made, it is right that they are compensated and have access to legal representation.”
Stephensons has a leading Clinical Negligence team of solicitors who are experts in assisting people who have suffered at the hands of medical professionals to access justice.
For more information visit the Clinical Negligence section of our website or call 01616 966 229.